South Korean shipbuilding company Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has delivered the third of four liquefied natural gas (LNG) newbuild carriers built for Qatari shipping and maritime company Nakilat.

The 174,000 cbm vessel Global Sea Spirit is the first vessel with X-DF propulsion to join the Nakilat fleet, with the second newbuild (also with X-DF propulsion) expected to be delivered early next year. Vessels running with X-DF engines propulsion are proven to be more fuel-efficient, reduce greenhouse emissions and are environmentally friendly due to their low-carbon emission, according to the company.

The unit was handed over to Global Shipping Inc., a joint venture of Nakilat (60 per cent) and Maran Ventures (40 per cent). It will be chartered to Cheniere Marketing International LLP.

“The addition of this newbuild vessel featuring advanced safety, containment and propulsion technology will allow us to provide greater fleet capacity and flexibility to our customers,” Nakilat’s Chief Executive Officer Eng. Abdullah Al Sulaiti said.

“Moreover, it will significantly contribute to our efforts to reduce our Carbon footprint and operate in a sustainable manner as we continue to grow our global shipping portfolio.”

The first two LNG carriers’ newbuilds Global Energy and Global Star were delivered in May 2020 and January 2021 respectively and are currently in service.

The delivery of all four newbuild LNG carriers by 2022 will bring Nakilat’s fleet to 74 vessels, which is just under 12% of the current global LNG fleet based on carrying capacity.

To date, there are 24 LNG carriers, 4 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carrier and 1 floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) vessel being managed and operated in-house by the company.